Judge

As a judge, you could:

• prepare for trials by reading papers submitted by legal teams
•  hear civil, family and criminal cases
•  listen to evidence from witnesses, defendants and victims
•  advise juries and legal teams on points of law
•  pass sentences on conviction and impose other penalties
•  reach decisions in tribunals, for example on employment disputes or immigration cases
•  hear appeals and review decisions of lower courts
•  write reports, giving reasons for rulings and keep up to date with legal developments

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• leadership skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You must retire when you reach 75.

You can get into this job through an official appointment.

There are structured career development routes in the judiciary, which allow you to move from fee-paid sessional roles in the lower courts through to paid positions in the upper courts.

For example, with experience, you might move from deputy district judge or recorder to become a permanent district judge, circuit judge or high court judge. Beyond that, you could be appointed to the court of appeal.

You can also specialise in particular divisions of the judiciary, like the family courts or employment tribunals.